Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing Annouce Additional Funding For Flood Remediation Program

CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) are proud to announce securing an additional $5 million for 2024 Flood Assistance Repair Program (FARP) designed to assist homeowners impacted by severe flooding experienced in July 2023. The initiative underscores the city's commitment to providing essential support and resources to its residents, particularly the most vulnerable, and will be used in addition to the $172 million FEMA funding that has already been allocated.

"Chicagoans have shown incredible resilience in the face of last year's devastating floods," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "This additional $5 million for the Flood Assistance Repair Program reaffirms our commitment to helping our residents rebuild their homes and their lives. By prioritizing support for our seniors and the most affected communities on the West Side, we are taking meaningful steps toward recovery and resilience. Together, we will ensure that our city remains strong, safe and united in the face of any challenge."

The 2024 FARP aims to support up to 200 homeowners, primarily seniors, residing in single-family or one-to-two-unit properties on the West Side of Chicago, where homes suffered significant damage from torrential rains in July 2023, resulting in eight inches of rainfall within 12 hours, causing widespread flooding and substantial damage to basements.

DOH Commissioner Lissette Castañedaemphasized the importance of the program, stating, "Our administration is dedicated to supporting Chicagoans who have been adversely affected by natural disasters. The Flood Assistance Repair Program is a vital step in ensuring that our residents, especially our seniors, can live safely and comfortably in their homes. We are committed to rebuilding and strengthening our communities with resilience and care."

The $5 million supporting the 2024 FARP will be used in addition to the more than $172 million from FEMA's Individual and Households Program that the City, State, and County partnered to secure to provide aid to more than 60,000 Chicago residents across the West and South sides. The FEMA assistance included $147 million in Housing Assistance and $24 million in Other Needs Assistance, which provided a critical lifeline for those who needed it most.

Key details of the FARP include the following:

• Funding and Support: The program will provide eligible homeowners with up to $25,000 each for the remediation and restoration of health and safety issues confined to their basements. This support will be provided to households that have a total income at or below the Area Median Income (AMI) of 100%.
• Selection Process: There will be no application process, as DOH is working with community leaders and organizations to ensure that aid reaches those most in need without requiring a separate intake or registration process.

The initiative will stand as an example of cross-departmental collaboration and has seen active engagement from several stakeholders. While the program is managed by DOH, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is providing tools, equipment and materials to community organizations. The Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) is supplying an initial list of affected families and continuing efforts to identify additional resources, and the Westside Health Authority (WHA) is advocating for comprehensive support, including case management services, to enhance the program's effectiveness.

The FARP will be integrated into DOH's existing Home Repair Program (HRP), leveraging the expertise and capabilities of BIPOC general contractors selected from DOH's 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the HRP's Roof and Porch program. This strategic approach ensures a focused and efficient delivery of services to the households in need and continued investment in community wealth building.

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